Two teenagers held after ‘hideous’ acid attacks

TWO teenagers have been arrested as part of a major police investigation into a series of acid attacks that took place in less than 90 minutes last night (Thursday).

One of the victims was said to have suffered “life-changing” injuries when he had a corrosive substance thrown in his face during one of the attacks, which were carried out by two male suspects on a moped in Hackney and Islington.

Five men, who were all on mopeds when they were attacked, have been taken to hospital with injuries.

The Met said the incidents appeared to be linked. Two victims had their mopeds stolen. Police said two male teenagers had been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery.

Detectives have described the attacks, which occurred in Hackney and Isington, as “hideous offences”.

A 16-year-old boy from Kingsbury Road, on the border with Hackney, was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and robbery in the early hours of this morning.

Another youngster, 15, was arrested at an address in Stoke Newington on suspicion of the same offences. Both suspects are in custody at a north London police station.

Chief inspector Ben Clark, of Hackney Police, appealed for witnesses to the incidents to come forward.

He said: “Each of these offences took place in busy locations and we know there may be witnesses who have not yet contacted us. If you saw something or managed to film or photograph anything that might help us please get in touch.

“These are hideous offences and must have been very frightening for all of the victims. I’m aware of rumours circulating that the victims were all food delivery riders set up in advance of the attacks. This is not the case. All victims were riding mopeds at the time of the attacks, but were from a variety of backgrounds.”

The number of acid attacks in London has risen sharply in the past four years.

Chief inspector Clark added: “Of late we have seen more attacks using corrosive substances in London. I would urge businesses and parents to challenge those who they think may be trying to obtain or carry these substances as this could help prevent serious offences and life changing injuries being caused.”

Any witnesses, anyone with information or in possession of footage of these incidents is asked to contact police via 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.